Otsuka大塚
Tokyo guide
From old downtown streets of temples and shopping lanes to districts of skyscrapers and neon, each area feels different. Trains and subways go everywhere; most main sights are about 30 minutes from Tokyo Station.
Things to see 10 classics
"Classics" and "Hidden gems" are this site's editorial picks, not a measured popularity ranking.
By interest
By how you get there
By distance
- 1
Senso-ji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate
Said to be Tokyo's oldest temple. From Kaminarimon Gate with its giant lantern, the Nakamise shopping lane leads to the main hall.
Many overseas visitors
In the 2023 survey, 47.4% of foreign visitors to Tokyo went to Asakusa (4th) Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Government, 2023 Survey of Foreign Visitors' Behavior
- Temples, shrines & churches
- History & buildings
- Shopping & strolling
about 60 minFreeWheelchair & stroller friendly
Subway · About 25 min from Tokyo ・ JR Yamanote Line to Kanda, change to the Ginza subway line for Asakusa, then about 5 minutes on foot ・ 6.5km from here
- 2
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
A crossing where crowds pour across from every side each time the lights change. The statue of the dog Hachiko stands by the station.
- Views
- Night views
- Shopping & strolling
about 30 minFree
Train · About 30 min from Tokyo ・ JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya ・ 8.4km from here
- 3
Meiji Jingu Shrine and Harajuku
A shrine deep in a forest. The entrance is right beside Harajuku Station, close to Takeshita Street and its youth fashion shops.
- Temples, shrines & churches
- Nature
- Shopping & strolling
about 1.5 hrFreeWheelchair & stroller friendly
Train · About 40 min from Tokyo ・ JR Yamanote Line to Harajuku, then about 10 minutes on foot to the main hall ・ 6.7km from here
- 4
Shinjuku (Tokyo Metropolitan Government observatories)
The city hall's observatories, about 200 meters up among the skyscrapers, look out over Tokyo. At night, head for the neon of the east side.
- Views
- Night views
about 60 minFreeFine on a rainy day
Train · About 30 min from Tokyo ・ JR Chuo Line rapid to Shinjuku, then about 10 minutes on foot from the west exit ・ 5.7km from here
- 5
Ueno Park
A park with major museums and a zoo, famous for cherry blossoms in spring. The Ameyoko market street runs south of the station.
- Museums
- Nature
- With kids
about 2 hrFreeWheelchair & stroller friendly
Train · About 12 min from Tokyo ・ JR Yamanote Line to Ueno (Park Exit) ・ 4.5km from here
- 6
Imperial Palace (East Gardens, Nijubashi Bridge)
The site of Edo Castle. Stone walls and moats remain, and the East Gardens are open for walking. See Nijubashi Bridge from the plaza.
- History & buildings
- Nature
about 1.5 hrFree
Walk · About 15 min from Tokyo ・ From the Marunouchi North Exit to Otemon Gate ・ 5.8km from here
“Classics” and “Hidden gems” are our editors' picks, not a measured popularity ranking. Travel times are estimates. Please check prices, opening hours and operating days with the official sources before you go.
Photo and data credits
Night skyline of Tokyo with the illuminated Tokyo Tower David Kernan (CC BY 4.0) / Kaminarimon Gate of Senso-ji with its huge red lantern Kakidai (CC BY-SA 3.0) / Crowds crossing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing at dusk Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr) (CC BY-SA 2.0) / The main hall of Meiji Jingu beyond a wide gravel courtyard Hyppolyte de Saint-Rambert (CC BY-SA 4.0) / The twin towers of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Eavesdropper6735 (CC BY 4.0) / Cherry trees in full bloom and lanterns in Ueno Park Syced (CC0) / The stone bridge to the Imperial Palace and Fushimi Turret Otto Domes (CC BY-SA 4.0). Cropped and resized.
Facilities & features
- Elevators available (the route may be longer)
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